Page 154 of Iris
“You came for her.” The music ends, and Iris pulls from my embrace. I don’t miss the hint of disappointment in her tone.
“Something like that.” I’ve got other dances, ideas to plant, waters to test.
And this dance was foolhardy in both the best and the worst ways.
“I hope you bought her rum to grease the wheel,” she says, turning. “The rarer the better.”
“Iris.” Her brother beckons her. There’s another Alpha he’s pulled aside for her to dance with, and as she leaves, my stomach goes tight.
I’m about to continue my stroll around the room when another Omega comes up to me. She’s in a pitch-black, form-fitting gown with crystal sewn throughout to give the illusion of astar-filled night sky. Stunning. She’s clearly trying hard to stand out.
“Hello there,” she says to me with a wide smile. “My name’s Alicia.”
CHAPTER
FORTY-FOUR
Iris
My heart and insides twist.
Killian’s smiling and full of charm as he takes Alicia’s hand and guides her onto the dance floor.
What a man-stealing, piece of sh?—
“Ow,” Anton Decker says when I step on his foot.
I swing the short man a glare, and he just smiles like a fool. The only reason I know his stupid name is because it’s on the list Heath gave me. He’s rich, short, and according to Heath’s notes, perfect mate material.
Gag.
“Sorry about that,” he says. “My foot got in the way.”
Then he seems to notice where I’m looking, he whispers, “Poor guy. He doesn’t stand a chance. She’ll eat him alive.”
This Anton is probably nice. A banker, and at the moment living on the mainland. But he’s moving back to the island to take over the Sabine Holdings Bank. He’s known to make money, wise investments and…I think I lost interest around there when reading.
“I hear she’s quite the catch,” I say, trying to not let my hatred seep into my tone.
He seems to consider my words. “I like substance.” As the music ends, he starts to walk me back slowly to my family. “I hope I’m not too forward, but I’d like to see you again. I’ll schedule through your brother.”
With that, he kisses my hand, and to my right Heath stands, watching like my personal jailer.
“Well?” he demands the moment Anton finishes making small talk with my mother and goes off to the refreshment table. “He’s a good one, don’t you think?”
My cheeks heat as those around us fall a little quiet. “Not too shabby.”
“Good, we’ll discuss this week’s updated itinerary when we’re home.”
“Heath,” Mom says, stepping in and taking his arm. “This isn’t the place.” Then she turns to me. “Iris, dear, why don’t you go out for some fresh air and you time. Take…” She looks at Mari, and then at Violet who’s sitting next to Stephan, looking longingly at the dance floor. “Actually, Mari, go make keep Violet company. Maybe convince Stephan to take her out for a quick dance. And Iris, you take Rue.”
Heath is about to protest, but Mom uses their linked arms to tug him the opposite way, smiling. “Come on, dear. I think you’ve done enough.”
“OMG, he was so handsome, wasn’t he? Mr. Blackwater? Dark, mysterious, and little too charming. Probably a black sheep?—”
“Suits the theme of Season,” I mutter.
“—with a tragic past. It’ll be a tale of redemption.” She stops out in the garden, sighing dramatically. “It’s a crime I’m not old enough for all the fun. Ooh, I wonder if the QB has anything to say.”
